After almost 30 years of life, I realized—I’ve never been to a soccer match. So for my birthday, I bought myself a ticket to an MLS game.

(Disclaimer: I’m not a die-hard fan, just a curious spectator.)

I actually pondered the decision for about a week.

The ticket wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t outrageous either. I wanted an experience I’d never had before. I wanted it to be good, maybe even unforgettable.

And I was willing to pay the price.

I looked into which sections had the best perks, compared prices online, and asked a few people for their opinions. I even prayed, simply asking God, “Is this a wise choice?” The seats were expensive, and I didn’t want to regret my decision. I wanted to be smart about it without going broke or looking foolish.

So, after all that reasoning, research, and finally completing the purchase, the Holy Spirit softly whispered:

“So, what does wisdom cost you?”

What Does Wisdom Really Cost Me?

Scripture says:

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7 NIV)

And that’s when I realized: even though I wanted to be wise, my request for wisdom was overhadowed by my desire to be satisfied. I wanted to make a decision I wouldn’t regret. I wanted it to look smart, feel smart, and be worth it.

But wisdom isn’t just about looking wise. It’s about being surrendered.

And for me, that meant letting go of some things I didn’t even realize I was holding on to.

The Real Cost Wasn’t the Ticket

If I’m being honest, pursuing wisdom in this situation would have a cost. If I wanted to get clear goldy guidance I would have to surrender my expectations.

• My ego
• My pride
• My comfort
• My need for validation and acceptance

The world economy teaches us to barter:
“If I give this much, I should get that much.”
“If I show up this way, I’ll be respected that way.”
We trade image for influence.
Pride for power.
Comfort for control.

“If I look and speak a certain way, I should be respected.”

We value respect, attention, and approval as if they are items we can purchase, and it’s not only what we want to acquire, but also what we’re ready to give up.

We trade our limits for comfort.
We give up our values for opportunities.
We allow others to influence us, not for their wisdom, but based on their words, appearance, or wealth.

It’s not just the pursuit of validation that’s dangerous. It’s how quickly we hand ours away to the loudest voice or the flashiest entrance.

But God never asked us to pay for wisdom. He calls us to surrender.

In God’s kingdom, the price for salvation and wisdom has already been paid. Jesus bought it with His life. And He offers it freely to those who ask and accept it with thanksgiving.

Still, there is an exchange.

Not to earn it, but to receive it. When we choose to get wisdom, we let go of societal values and value what God says is worthy.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)

A Better Currency

Wisdom isn’t something we have to hustle for. We don’t have to impress God or barter for His favor. But we do have to value Him, his word, and commandments more than the “cool things” of world.

The world says, “Show me what you can afford, and I’ll show you what you deserve.” But God says, “I’ve already paid for what you could never earn. Steward it well, and I’ll give you more.”

So wisdom isn’t bought. It’s revealed. And the cost is surrender, not to get it, but to hold it and live it out.

So… What Now?

After that epiphany, I didn’t feel victorious. I felt still.

A little disappointed in myself.

I thought, How many times have I made decisions based more on self-satisfaction than surrender?

But the Lord reminded me gently:

“This realization isn’t your punishment, it’s your turning point.”

So I prayed:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have often pursued self satisfaction, more than seeking Your will and wisdom. Thank you for revealing this to me. Please forgive me and help me to remember that You are trustworthy to supply and satisfy all my needs.
Help me, Lord, to move forward differently.
With wisdom, with humility, and with self-control.
I surrender.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Preparing Differently

I haven’t gone to the soccer match yet. But I’m preparing for it differently.

• I might take the train, instead of driving in and parking.
• I’ll eat beforehand to avoid over indulging in the hype.
• Most importantly, I’ll remind myself: this seat and the decision to go doesn’t define me.

My identity isn’t in the price I paid. It’s in the peace I carry. It’s in the presence of the One who created me.

Wisdom is the fear of God, the knowledge of God, and the understanding that comes from Him. And to get it, we must practice self-control. And self-control is humility. Having self-control is better than having control over others. Wisdom isn’t superiority. It’s not power over others. And it’s not the praise of people. Those things don’t make me wise. They’re not characteristics of wisdom. Getting wisdom is being surrendered, humble, and in tune with God’s instruction.

My Encouragement for the Reader

If you’re sitting with a decision and asking, “Is this wise?” I see you. If you’ve wrestled with the cost, feared looking foolish, or questioned your motives, God sees you.

And here’s what I’ve learned:

• Wisdom doesn’t mean we always start well.
• Wisdom means we’re willing to stop, reflect, and realign.
• Wisdom is when we let God redefine what’s truly valuable.

So don’t be afraid to ask yourself:

“What does this really cost me?”
And even more boldly—
“What does getting wisdom truly cost me?”

And when the answer leads to surrender, trust that God will make the exchange worth it.

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I hope this reflection helps someone to be inspired, empowered, or in someway a little more equipped on their journey. If that’s you, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section. If someone was placed on your mind and heart while reading this, please share it with them.

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Together, let’s keep growing toward our Sweet High—that sacred place where purpose meets peace, and God gets all the glory. 🤍